A STYLE SEEKER’S GUIDE TO SHANGHAI

From colonial buildings to couture houses, French concession boutiques to Swedish-inspired concept stores, Shanghai is a hub for fashion lovers and culture seekers. Whether you’re there for a week or a long weekend, it should be explored in style – and there’s no better time than over Chinese New Year.

WHERE TO EATIlluminated coffee makers hanging from the walls make Fumi Coffee in the Xuhui district seem like more of an art gallery than coffee shop. This makes it the perfect place for a piccolo latte and pastry before a day of sightseeing. For dinner, go to Bao Luo. The dim sum restaurant, known for its sesame seed pork buns, fried soup dumplings and aubergine marinated in soy sauce, draws in the crowds every day.

WHERE TO SHOPIf you’re looking for luxury brands, Shanghai Village is your go-to. Located in Pudong New District, this covetable shopping spot boasts beautiful boutiques to wander in an open-air setting – and with exceptional reductions on the recommended retail price, it’s the perfect place to refresh your wardrobe for the season ahead. Expect a carefully curated selection of restaurants and cafés serving regional Chinese and authentic European cuisine, all with views across the lake.

WHERE TO STAYWith panoramic views of the city, pristine interiors and an in-house spa, it’s easy to be seduced by the Waldorf Astoria. The rooms are plush and picturesque, but if you want spectacular skyline views of Pudong, book the Luxury River Suite. It comes with a walk-in wardrobe and separate living and dining areas.Be sure to add ‘slow after-dinner stroll along the Bund’ to your to-do list.

WHAT TO DOGongqing Forest Park in Shanghai’s Yangpu district is off the beaten track, so it might take you a while to find. Once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave. From botanical gardens to stretches of open forest, and a miniature theme park – think paintballing, go-karting and horse riding – there are 131 hectares for you to explore.